The Oldest Operating Streetcar In America Is Right Here In New Orleans And It’s Amazing

Louisiana is bursting with history, and perhaps no city in the Pelican State has quite as much history and culture jam-packed into it as New Orleans! You've no doubt checked more than a few things off your New Orleans bucket list over the years, but have you ever taken a ride on any of New Orleans' streetcars? One particular line is not only the oldest running streetcar in NOLA, but it's also the oldest streetcar in the U.S. This truly special slice of history is certainly a unique treasure of our city.

The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line was originally started in 1834 as a way to connect downtown New Orleans with its suburb, Carrollton.

Carrollton became part of the city in the decades to come, but the streetcar remained.

The line still uses the same streetcars that were used in the 1920s.

History buffs and activists in the 60s and 70s fought tirelessly to put the streetcars on the National Registry of Historic Places.

The interior of the cars is simply gorgeous and provides a beautiful perspective of these cars.

It makes for a truly special ride for all those that enjoy it.

The St. Charles Ave. route spans from Uptown to the Central Business District, passing through iconic New Orleans stops and under gorgeous oak canopies the whole way.

The smile on this young rider's face really says it all.

It's an awesome way to enjoy an afternoon.

So go ahead and catch a ride on this historic streetcar line! For a casual day out, there's nothing more nostalgic.

We know you'll have a wonderful time exploring our unique city.

Have you ever taken a ride on this historic streetcar in New Orleans? What is your favorite sight on the St. Charles line? Let us know in the comments below! We love to hear your comments and feedback.

If you haven't ridden it yet (and yes, you need to!), visit the streetcar page on the Visit New Orleans' official website to learn more about the city's four main routes, and get all of your most pressing itinerary FAQs answered.

Pieces of history are everywhere you look in NOLA, especially if you know where to look! From the oldest places to visit in the city to places where historical "firsts" took place, there's a lifetime of places to explore here.